Most anticipated gadgets of 2012: From iPhone 5 to PlayStation Vita

Having completed a look back at the best gadgets released during 2011, Metro takes a look at the most anticipated products expected to be realised over the next 12 months.

When is it coming out? The iPhone 5 could be arriving in the first quarter of 2012 (Pic: PA)iPhone 5

‘When is the iPhone 5 coming out?’ â the most frequent question asked to technology journalists the world over. The major conundrum for Apple fans is whether to invest on the recently released iPhone 4S if an updated version will simply be released in a couple of months. As with all Apple releases, we remain in the dark regarding the release date of the iPhone 5, but the rumour mill seems to suggest the new handset could be unveiled in March next year, complete with a 4inch screen and 4G capability.

In truth though, give the reaction to the iPhone 4S, it appears all people really want is the phone to look significantly different and theyâll happily part with their cash to get their hands on the phone as soon as humanly possible. Expect Siri to once again feature prominently.

Expect similar scenes when the iPad 3 goes on sale (Pic: AP)

iPad 3

Continuing the Apple theme, the third generation iPad is also expected to be unveiled in first quarter of 2012, potentially at the same time as the second Kindle Fire from Amazon. The new tablet is rumoured to be 0.7mm thicker than the current version to accommodate a 2048 x 1536p screen, with 264 pixels per inch. The suggested change in thickness means some covers currently available for the iPad 2 may not fit the new version, but Appleâs Smart Covers should fit due to the same basic front design of the tablet.

All the speculation continues to be around the retina display screen, with some analysts claiming the high-powered, visually impressive, tablet could go on sale as early as February.

Nokia’s Lumia 710 should hit the shelves in the UK during January (Pic: Reuters)

Lumia 710

The iPhone 4S and Samsung Android phones grabbed all the headlines in 2011, but right at the end of the year Nokia released its first-ever Windows Phone, the Lumia 800. Tech experts loved it and widely praised it as the return to form for the Finnish company. Up next for Nokia will be the release of the Lumia 710 â the lower-end version of the smartphone aimed at the mass market. Less slick than the 800, the 710 will still come with the new Nokia feature such as Nokia Drive and Mix Radio, and with an ever lower price could be set to dominate the market in the coming year. The Lumia 710 is expected to go on general sale in the UK at some stage in January.

The PlayStation Vita will go on sale in February (Pic: Sony)

PlayStation Vita

February 22. Thatâs the date Sonyâs new portable console set to replace the PSP is due to go on sale. The Wi-Fi only version is due to retail at Â£229.99, with Sony looking to build on the huge popularity of its current handheld console. A 3G version of the Vita will also be sold for Â£279.99. One hundred games have been promised during the âlaunch windowâ, with key franchises like Call Of Duty and Fifa all confirmed.

Nintendo is expected to release the Wii U in time for Christmas next year (Pic: Getty)

Nintendo Wii U

Unveiled at the E3 conference back in June, the Wii U â the successor to the hugely popular Wii â is widely expected to be released before Christmas next year. The new Nintendo console is due to receive a second unveiling of sorts at this yearâs E3, with some changes expected. The Wii Uâs most intriguing feature is the six-inch touchscreen will enable greater interaction with the console and allow users to play either on their TV or the controllerâs screen.

The Wii U will be compatible with all Wii games and controllers, while the new controller also comes with a camera and a stylus.